BURY South MP Ivan Lewis is calling for a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Radcliffe, after reports that children as young as 11 are causing trouble while under the influence of alcohol.

The Education Minister is urging parents to take a leading role to stop youngsters making life a misery for the town's law-abiding citizens.

He said: "The police cannot be expected to tackle this problem alone. I'm asking parents to play their part -- do you know where your children are at night? Are you doing enough to prevent them gaining unsupervised access to alcohol?

"We need every parent in Radcliffe to understand anti-social behaviour is a growing problem and we need their help."

His comments followed a meeting with Radcliffe Township Inspector, Stephen Clark, to discuss crime in the town.

Police are currently clamping down on off-licences selling alcohol to children.

But Insp Clark believes only a small percentage of shops sell to the underage and there are other ways for children to obtain alcohol.

He said: "Older children can get it; parents themselves can provide alcohol to their children; and some youngsters will nag at people entering an off-licence to buy them drinks. That person needs to be aware that what they are doing is a criminal offence and they can expect a heavy fine.

"If your child comes home smelling of drink, questions need to be asked. If you don't deal with the issues, then expect a visit from the police."

One area said to be suffering the effects of anti-social behaviour is Dumers Lane council estate, where some residents claim unruly behaviour is the norm and their pleas for help are being ignored.

In an anonymous letter sent to the Radcliffe Times, one resident said: "The estate and surrounding area have been destroyed by teenagers. They spend all weekend drinking in the streets and should be stopped. We are all very frightened to go out at night.

"The estate and surrounding areas used to be nice and clean, but the council and police don't seem to bother."

Bury Council said it was unfair to say nothing was being done about the residents' concerns.

A spokesman said: "The council does take these issues extremely seriously and is working to combat this behaviour. But we cannot do this alone -- we need the co-operation and support of local residents."

Insp Clark said: "The place to raise these queries is the area board meetings, where representatives from the council and the police are sat there ready to answer any questions.

"Even if we can't answer it there and then, we are obliged to follow it up and report back at the next meeting."

The next Radcliffe Area Board meeting is on Tuesday at 7pm at the Radcliffe Civic Centre, Thomas Street.

Anyone with information or concerns on the sale of alcohol to children can contact Mr Lewis's constituency office on 773 5500. All information will be treated in confidence.